The Transfer Tavern

Rangers’ best possible XI under Steven Gerrard

Rangers have started the season strongly and will be looking to kick on as they set their sights on silverware and the Scottish Premiership title.

The Bluenoses are one of the form teams in the Scottish Premiership at this moment in time, with their unbeaten streak still intact. But, Steven Gerrard is still yet to find the perfect formula as a busy schedule has forced him to make a number of changes in-between matches.

It’s important that the Englishman can find a settled side, but he may need a lot of luck to do so as injuries can impact his match selection.

So, in an ideal world where Rangers have a fully fit squad with no injuries or suspensions to speak of, here’s an idea of what Gerrard’s strongest XI would look like…

RANGERS’ STRONGEST POSSIBLE XI

We’ve gone with a 4-3-3 formation, as that is the formation that Gerrard could use to really get the best out of his wide men and the three central midfielders will ensure solidity by protecting the defence.

It’s always going to be difficult for Gerrard to pick his best team due to the large amount of players that he has drafted in over the course of the summer transfer window, but this is the team that could bring success back to Ibrox in the form of silverware if fitness, injuries and suspensions weren’t an issue.

Jon Flanagan, James Tavernier, Nikola Katic and Connor Goldson are four of Rangers’ best defenders and will always be Gerrard’s first choice back line if they all remain fully fit and avoid suspensions. Jon Flanagan and Connor Goldson have a point to prove after failing to nail down regular first team football at previous clubs, so the hunger and desire is there to perform at the top of their game.

In midfield, the likes of Lassana Coulibaly and Ovie Ejaria’s youthfulness is nicely balanced out by Scott Arfield’s top level experience from playing in the Premier League. Both of the youngsters have already displayed moments of brilliance and certainly know how to ensure solidity, with Arfield’s creativity and eye for a pass helping the Bluenoses thrive in the final third of the field.

Lastly, Ryan Kent and Jamie Murphy are two of the most exciting wingers in the Scottish Premiership and any defender will struggle to keep up with their pace and trickery. Meanwhile, Alfredo Morelos has already shown how deadly he can be in front of goal this season, with plenty more still to come in what could be a very successful season.